15 September 2009 | Luca Del Buono

 

The auto industry will have to cut carbon dioxide emissions from new vans sold in the European Union by 14 percent by July 2013 or face fines, a draft EU document shows.

The ban would be a year later than first envisaged.

The European Commission's new proposal -- due out in October -- looks set to mirror last year's clampdown on cars, which was weakened by a range of concessions and softer fines after a successful challenge by the powerful auto industry.

The plan is likely to spark an intense battle in Europe as member states shield their national champions in the midst of an economic downturn.

Van makers face fines of 120 euros ($175) per vehicle if they fail to meet the targets, according to the draft document, obtained by Reuters.

Those that miss by less than 3 grams will receive softer penalties.The proposal is part of EU efforts to lead the way on battling climate change as it heads into global negotiations on finding a successor to the Kyoto protocol.

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Source: Reuters

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